As you review the program details below, you can also watch the Info Session recording, which includes details about this specialization. Get in touch if you have questions.
Medical Imaging: Informatics/PACS - BAS Specialization
If you're an imaging professional registered in radiography, sonography, nuclear medicine, or radiation therapy, EFSC's Medical Imaging: Informatics/PACS BAS Track is designed specifically for you!
By pursuing this track, you'll delve into the administration and management of Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS). PACS is a vital technology used in healthcare organizations to securely store, manage, and transmit electronic medical images and reports.
Through this program, you'll acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively administer a PACS database. It combines both medical imaging and information technology (IT), enabling you to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of imaging data.
By gaining expertise in PACS administration, you'll broaden your career prospects in the field of medical imaging. This program offers specialized coursework that caters to the unique requirements of PACS, equipping you to navigate the digital landscape of healthcare and contribute to the efficient management of medical imaging systems.
Medical Imaging: Informatics/PACS is one of six specializations within the Applied Health Sciences Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) degree at EFSC. You can earn the BAS once and must choose one track.
Medical Imaging: Informatics/PACS BAS Track - Course Curriculum
Medical Imaging: Informatics/PACS - BAS Specialization
Program Overview
- Degree Type
- Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS)
- Delivery Method
- On-Campus, Hybrid
- Locations
- Melbourne, Palm Bay
- Total Credit Hours
- 120
- Academic Community
- Health Sciences
- Contact Information
-
bachelor@easternflorida.edu
321-632-1111Students with myEFSC Portal access: schedule advising with Navigate. Others use the buttons.
Since students already have the required clinical skills, the Informatics/PACS program is designed to introduce you to the IT training necessary for working as a PACS administrator or in other clinical application positions within the medical field.
The program offers a range of courses, some of which are available online, while others can be taken on-campus in Melbourne and Palm Bay. Additionally, there are hybrid courses that combine online and in-person learning formats.
In this program, you'll learn about designing object-oriented models for information systems, troubleshooting networks, managing databases using SQL, and exploring information system organization, including frameworks, strategies, roles, and risks. These skills are crucial for designing efficient systems, resolving network issues, effectively managing databases, and understanding the organization and potential risks associated with information systems. By completing this program, you'll be equipped with the necessary skills to excel in these areas.
Medical Imaging: Informatics/PACS BAS Track - Admissions Process
If you're interested in the Informatics/PACS Specialization, there are certain eligibility criteria you need to meet. You must hold a current license and be in good standing with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers, or the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board. Additionally, you must have at least an Associate in Science (A.S.) degree in one of these disciplines from a regionally accredited college.
You will be eligible to receive up to 60 transfer credits toward the Informatics/PACS program if you're:
- A registered radiologic technologist with an A.S. from a JRCERT-accredited radiologic technology program,
- A credentialed diagnostic medical sonographer with an A.S. from a CAAHEP and JRCDMS-accredited educational program,
- A credentialed nuclear medicine technologist with an A.S. from a JRCNMT-accredited nuclear medicine program, or
- A credentialed radiation therapist with an A.S. from a JRCERT-accredited radiation therapy program.
Additional credits may be awarded on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration factors like program accreditation, program length and content, your performance in the program, and your professional credentials. Any general education credits you've earned from other colleges or universities may also be considered for transfer in accordance with EFSC's transfer credit policy.
To apply for the program, you should follow EFSC's general bachelor program enrollment steps, keeping the program deadlines in mind. We advise you to work closely with a bachelor advisor to ensure that you meet the necessary requirements for this specialized track.
Brief Costs and Financial Aid Eligibility
The Informatics/PACS Specialization at EFSC offers affordable tuition rates for Florida residents. Completing this two-year program typically costs around $7,200 in base tuition; this amount does not cover the cost of course materials or lab fees, which are additional expenses that you should consider.
In addition to the required associate degree, you'll need to complete an additional 60 credits, with about 39 of those credits falling under the upper-level courses category in terms of tuition fees.
Financial aid and scholarships are available to eligible students to help offset the cost of the Informatics/PACS program. We highly recommended that all students apply for federal aid and Titan Scholarships provided by the EFSC Foundation. Additionally, external scholarships may also be an option worth exploring to further support your financial needs during your studies.
Medical Imaging: Informatics/PACS Courses You Would Take
The Informatics/PACS BAS Track curriculum includes both shared courses that are common to all six specializations in the Applied Health Sciences Bachelor of Applied Science degree and specific courses tailored to this particular track.
To ensure you get the classes you want in your preferred format, it's crucial to plan and register for your courses promptly, since availability can fill up rapidly at the bachelor level.
Here are some examples of the courses you can expect to take:
Explore database systems, database design, the relational model, physical design, indexing, concurrency management, recovery, and tuning.
Acquire networking information and skills in the areas of media and topologies, protocols, and standards; network implementation; and network support.
Examine the basic structure, control, and purpose of information systems including database systems and referential integrity, with an overview of access management needs.
Learn system installation, configuration, administration, troubleshooting, device configuration, security and access control, network connectivity, and system performance optimization.
Why Study Medical Imaging (Informatics/PACS) at EFSC?
Post-Graduation Options: Potential Certifications
By completing this program, you'll acquire skills that can open doors to various areas of informatics, particularly in databases, networking, and the interoperability between different healthcare information systems. Depending on your professional background and familiarity with PACS and Radiology Information Systems (RIS), this program will prepare you for additional certifications beyond your current credentials.
Some of the potential certifications you can pursue include:
- Certified Imaging Informatics Professional (CIIP), awarded by the American Board of Imaging Informatics (ABII)
- Certified PACS Associate (CPAS), offered by the PACS Administrators Registry and Certification Association (PARCA)
- Certified DICOM Integration Professional (CDIP), also offered by the PARCA
- Certified PACS System Analyst (CPSA), also offered by the PARCA
Save Money Through The $10,000 Bachelor's Degree Program
If you're considering the Informatics/PACS BAS Track, this program is eligible for EFSC's $10,000 Bachelor's Degree Program. This initiative is designed to help students manage their education expenses by planning their bachelor's degree pathway while starting their associate degree program.
If you're interested in this option, we recommend that you discuss it with a bachelor advisor, who can provide you with more information and guide you through the process.
Related Health Science Bachelor and Associate Programs
As you consider your specialization choice, take the time to explore the various options available within the Applied Health Sciences BAS degree program. Also review the associate degree options that can serve as a foundation for the Informatics/PACS Track.